Season 2014/15’s opening matches saw Marr’s 1st XV win a scrappy local cup derby against Irvine at Marress while at Fullarton the 2nd XV got off to a good start with a victory against a strong Hamilton side.

For the cup match Marr supporters got their first opportunity to see new signings William Farquhar, Stewart Howie, Scott Nimmo and Phil Siave in competitive action. Injuries and other unavailability saw Marr coach Craig Redpath make some positional switches and give calls up to the bench for Ali Walker and Daniel Clark. After recovering from illness Kris Kirk made a much welcome return to competitive action.

Meanwhile newly promoted Irvine fielded almost a full strength team which contained many seasoned campaigners who were eager to stop Marr’s run of recent victories in this local derby match.

Irvine got off to the best possible starts and within two minutes took an early lead from an unconverted try. Playing with a strong breeze behind them a perfectly weighted kick was launched into space behind Marr’s back line who had been pressing forward. As fullback Stewart Howie ran on to collect the descending ball the luck of the bounce favoured Irvine’s oncoming backs and landed perfectly in their hands to allow a simple two on one to be executed and end with a score in the corner.

The first quarter’s play saw Marr’s forwards grow in dominance and gain the ascendency, especially in the scrum where the front row of Phil Siave, Stephen Adair and Fraser Ferguson were dominant. However the pressure, possession and territory weren’t being converted into points as Irvine threw everything into defence. They appeared happy to concede penalties to disrupt Marr’s attempts to get into a decent pattern of play and the swirling wind made tactical kicking and fluid passing a bit of a lottery. Just after 20 minutes of play Irvine were reduced to 14 players after influential back rower Ruchin Filander was yellow carded as the referee became impatient with the repeated infringements from the home side.

Marr immediately took advantage and pressed home a series of attacks that led to them winning a scrum just short of Irvine’s try line. From a secure platform Scott Nimmo (sponsored by Jim McGuffie) picked up and launched himself towards and over the line carrying over with him the Irvine defence and scored his debut try for Marr. The conversion was missed to leave the score tied.

Irvine reclaimed the lead after 35 minutes when another long range penalty kick was sent into touch near to Marr’s line. From the lineout they found a way into Marr’s corner and scored a try which was unconverted.

Marr immediately hit back with a series of attacks that finally showed some of the rhythm and patterns of play that have been their trademark. With forwards and backs combining well Scott Bickerstaff (sponsored by McKays Bar) came off his wing to collect a midfield pass and cut through towards the line. Irvine’s scramble defence managed to get cover to stop what seemed to be a scoring run but as he was caught Scott expertly offloaded to Andrew Mill who was on his shoulder and perfectly placed to finish the move with a touch down that was converted. This gave Marr a two point advantage and the first half ended with no further scoring.

In the second half Marr continued to press home a series of attacks but faced a stubborn defence that held firm. Aaron Rankin was introduced at centre and helped open up holes in Irvine’s defence. Midway through the half Marr added a penalty kick. Towards the end of the match Stephen Adair scored try number three after Marr’s forwards finally managed to capitalise on close range opportunities. Twisting and turning he crashed through with Irvine defenders clinging on and the referee was well placed to confirm the try. With Colin Sturgeon converting Marr stretched into a 12 point lead with five minutes play remaining. Irvine though weren’t inclined to rest and had the final say with a breakout score as Marr pressed to close the match.

All in all a patchy and at times scrappy match. Positives for Marr include the final chance for the players to get some competitive action before the league starts and the welcome addition of new players and return from injury of some players who will be key to success for the campaign ahead.

Marr man of the match - Scott Nimmo (sponsored by Jim McGuffie)

Marr scorers

Tries: Scott Nimmo (1), Andrew Mill (1) and Stephen Adair (1)

Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (2)

Penalties: Colin Sturgeon (1)